HULL City under-18s boss Billy Russell is urging his side to "embrace" the biggest night of their fledgling careers as they attempt to create FA Youth Cup history.
The Tigers play host to Premier League giants Liverpool at the KC Stadium in tonight's eagerly-awaited quarter-final clash after becoming the first City team for 22 years to reach the last eight when beating Leicester 3-1 a fortnight ago.
A brilliant journey now sees the Tigers standing on the cusp of unchartered ground in the competition.
No City side has ever reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup during its 60-year history and Russell is calling on his rookies not to leave anything in reserve on their KC Stadium bow.
"There will be a few that are nervous on the night, that's inevitable, but it's how you use that energy," he said.
"Holding your nerve will be the biggest challenge and you've got to embrace the night.
"It's a great time for the lads. We take a lot of pride in seeing them get this far but it's like any cup run, it's what you can do on the night that matters.
"It's a big thing for them. A lot of the lads are Hull City supporters and for some it will be their first time on the pitch.
"One or two have played in school cup finals there but with the crowd in there too it will be a big night."
A two-legged semi-final against Chelsea awaits the winners of tonight's clash, but Liverpool undoubtedly provide City with their stiffest examination to date.
The three-time winners of the FA Youth Cup are one the competition's favourites after beating Leeds 3-1 in the fifth round.
Russell added: "Because of the status of Liverpool and their Academy's tradition, they'll be favourites.
"But we're the home team playing in front of our supporters so it's game on. We played Celtic, a side similar to them, in pre-season and we won on penalties.
"We expect to do well again if we play our own game. The big concern is making sure the boys don't freeze, I'm sure they won't."
Liverpool's financial muscle makes their youth set-up one of the most respected in the country and includes several youngsters recruited on transfer fees.
City, meanwhile, are expected to include at least eight boys raised in East Yorkshire and Russell hopes that could be their trump card.
He said: "They're a good side who are attractive and like to play football. We'll respect them but we can't fear them.
"It's only when you look at the profile of their players you see they've got boys from Wycombe, West Brom and Wrexham.
"They recruit from other clubs whereas we've got eight or nine boys from our own system.
"That's something we're proud of. The boys have got an empathy with the club.
"It does tell you there's a healthy feel about our team."• ADMISSION to tonight's game is £5 for adults and £1 concessions with a 7pm kick-off.
